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Using gene therapy to investigate the pathways involved in AMD progression
Dr Ioan Matei, Edgehill University - £24,943
Gene editing is a process by which the structure of a gene can be changed by modifying the DNA sequence. The technique used is called CRISPR Cas-9 and can be thought of as a pair of scissors that can cut out, swap around or add in parts of a gene.
Creating a new laboratory macular model
Professor Rachael Pearson, KCL Centre for Gene Therapy & Regenerative Medicine - £24,912
The macula, located in the retina at the back of the eye, is responsible for central vision, color perception, and fine detail.
Looking at the connection between proline transport and macular health
Dr David Sauer, University of Oxford - £25,000
Macular health relies heavily on an amino acid called proline. It is a precursor for one of the nutrients that the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is responsible for supplying to the photoreceptors of the macula. Proline is transferred using a transporter protein called SIT-1.
Multi-dimensional imaging in early AMD
Dr Richard Unwin, Manchester University -£23,931
Early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is closely linked to the switching on and off of the part of the immune system called the complement system. This system is genetically influenced and plays a key role in inflammation and defending against bacterial infections.
Studying retinal ageing in a rapidly ageing fish
Dr Nicole Noel, Institute of Ophthalmology, UCL - £25,000
Researchers at UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology are studying the African turquoise killifish which naturally develops many of the same retinal changes seen in people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), but within a much shorter lifespan.
Combining gene editing and anti-inflammatory therapy to treat dry AMD
Dr Jian Liu, University of Bristol - £24,946
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) currently has no effective treatment, but this study is exploring a promising new two-step approach. Researchers are testing whether combining gene editing with an existing anti-inflammatory drug could protect the cells that support vision. By boosting a key protective protein in the retina, this project could open the door to a powerful new treatment strategy for dry AMD.
Improving wet AMD care through patient experience
Mr Martin McKibbin, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust - £21,922
Understanding how patients experience treatment for wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is vital to improving care. This study is developing a new way to collect patient feedback across the NHS, ensuring that future treatment pathways reflect the real needs and experiences of those living with wet AMD.
Developing new visual tests to monitor macular disease
Dr Richard Leadbeater, University of Leicester - £21,866
Monitoring macular disease early and accurately is vital for protecting sight. This project is developing innovative visual tests designed to detect subtle changes in vision that current methods often miss, helping patients and clinicians track disease progression more effectively.
The impact of misaligned daily light cycles on the development of diabetic retinopathy
Dr Eleni Beli, Queen’s University Belfast - £25,000
Circadian rhythms affect many processes in the eye. This research investigates the link between day length and the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) by exposing mice to day lengths made artificially either longer or shorter than 24 hours.
The role of the protein ABCC5 in diabetic macular oedema
Prof Heidi de Wet, University of Oxford - £25,000
This research project investigates the protein ABCC5 and its role in diabetic macular oedema (DMO).